Providence, RI

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Jun

FestivalFeatured

Gaspee Days

Pawtuxet Village, Warwick/Cranston (near Providence)

Annual multi-day festival commemorating the June 1772 burning of the British revenue schooner HMS Gaspee by Rhode Island colonists — widely considered one of the first acts of violent resistance leading to the American Revolution. Events include a colonial encampment, a symbolic burning of a replica ship, a parade, arts and crafts fair, 5K road race, and children's activities. The celebration centers on the Pawtuxet Village area of Cranston and Warwick, just south of Providence, where the original raid took place.

Most events free; some activities may have feesTypically held over multiple weekends in June; the symbolic ship burning usually takes place on a Saturday closest to June 10. Check gaspee.com for exact dates.More info →

May

Ceremony

Rhode Island Independence Day Celebration

Rhode Island State House / Old State House, Providence

Ceremony marking the anniversary of Rhode Island's renunciation of allegiance to the British Crown on May 4, 1776 — two months before the Declaration of Independence. Held at the Old State House (also known as the Colony House) on Benefit Street or at the Rhode Island State House, the event typically includes speeches, wreath-laying, and readings of the 1776 act. This is recognized as Rhode Island's own 'Independence Day.'

FreeMay 4 is Rhode Island Independence Day, a state holiday. Ceremonies are typically held at the State House or Old State House. Contact the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office or local historical societies to confirm public event details each year.

Jul

Ceremony

Independence Day Celebration at the First Baptist Church in America

First Baptist Church in America, 75 North Main Street, Providence

Historic Fourth of July observances at the First Baptist Church in America, founded by Roger Williams in 1638. The church, whose current 1775 meetinghouse served as a gathering place during the Revolutionary period, hosts patriotic concerts, bell-ringing, and community programs around Independence Day. University Hall on the nearby Brown University campus — used as barracks and a hospital for Continental troops — is also open for tours during select summer programs.

FreeEvents typically held on or near July 4. Contact First Baptist Church in America or the Providence Preservation Society to confirm specific programming each year.

Aug

Ceremony

Nathanael Greene Birthday and Heritage Commemoration

Nathanael Greene Homestead, Coventry, RI (near Providence)

Periodic commemorative programs honoring Major General Nathanael Greene, the Warwick-born Quaker who became George Washington's most trusted general and commander of the Southern Army. Events have included wreath-laying at the Nathanael Greene Homestead in nearby Coventry, lectures at Providence-area venues, and historical society programs exploring Greene's pivotal role in the Revolution. The Nathanael Greene Homestead Association organizes events throughout the year.

Free or small donationNathanael Greene's birthday is August 7. Events may be held on or near this date at the Nathanael Greene Homestead in Coventry, RI, or at Providence venues. Contact the Nathanael Greene Homestead Association to confirm dates.More info →

Date

TBD

Guided Tour

John Brown House Museum Colonial Programs and Tours

John Brown House Museum, 52 Power Street, Providence

The Rhode Island Historical Society offers seasonal guided tours and special educational programs at the John Brown House Museum, the 1788 Georgian mansion of merchant and patriot John Brown. Programs often focus on Brown's role in the Gaspee affair, Providence's maritime contributions to the Revolution, and 18th-century life. Special events may include Revolutionary-era themed lectures, holiday candlelight tours, and living history demonstrations.

Admission fee; check RIHS website for current pricingTours generally offered seasonally from April through November; special Revolutionary-era programs occur periodically. Contact the Rhode Island Historical Society to confirm schedules.More info →